Confessions can be heard on Sunday after the Divine Liturgy or prior to the Liturgy by appointment.

Holy Night Supper

The traditional Holy Night Supper will be held on Saturday, January 6, at 6:00 p.m. prior to the evening service. The traditional customs of the meal will be observed. We preserve our the Faith by sharing with our families and others the deep traditions of our belief. The tradition has a profound effect on us and our children when it is observed in its fullness. Sheets containing the traditions and customs were handed out with the bulletin. Please take the time to practice tradition with your family in your homes. Please see Father if you have any question about the tradition. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the hall for those who would like to attend the parish Holy Supper. All foods are to be Strict Fast.

Prayer List

Please keep in your prayers all those who are in

need from our parish especially:

Les Miller: Improved Health

Steve Sheftic: Healing

Rudy Kormanik: Healing & Recovery

Jason Janowick: Improved Health

Lois Erhard: Improved Health

Mary Ann Muchesko: Healing & Recovery

Ivan Pop: Improved Health

Pa–i Yvonne Lysack: Healing

Anna Hrapchak: Healing & Recovery

Carol Miller: Healing

John Kloss: Healing & Recovery

Mary Kesselak: Improved Health

Alexandra Delare: Health & Healing

Daniel Kormanik: Healing & Recovery

Iraq Talk

Daniel Timko will give a presentation about life in Iraq on Sunday, January 14. Daniel has spent time in Iraq serving in the U.S. Military. The Talk will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until 9:50. The talk is being sponsored by the Sr. ACRY.

C & D List

The new 2007 list for the C&D is now posted in the hall. Please take the time and sign up for one or two Sundays during the coming year. We would like to have each and every Sunday filled for the coming year. Thank you.

Altar Flowers

The new 2007 Altar Flower list is now posted in the hall. Please sign up if you would like to reserve the Altar Flowers of any particular Sunday. Please let Father know of the intention you would like for that particular Sunday. Thank you.

Christmas Flowers

Flowers will be needed to adorn the Church for the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord. If you would like to make a donation towards the flowers for Christmas, please see Faith Breno. Thank you & God Bless.

Congratulations

Cyndi & Nick Dzubak had a baby boy on Tuesday, December 19. Daniel Vladimir was born 6 lbs 11 oz and 19 inches. Mother and baby are doing well. They are both at home. May God to there entire family Many Years!

Christian Unity Service

The annual Christian Unity Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church located at 11200 Old Georgetown Rd in Bethesda. The service will be held on Sunday, January 21, beginning at 3:00 p.m. All are invited to attend. (More information will follow.)

ACRY Calendars

There are still some ACRY Lot-O-Luck Calendars available. Please see Sheila Hrapchak or any Sr. ACRY member to purchase one of these calendars. The proceeds go to the Diocesan Mission Fund.

Special Olympics

The Bay Plunge benefits Special Olympics. We have one Bay Plunger in our parish who will be take the plunge on January 27. Donny Boyd is raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics. If you would like to help while staying warm and dry, you can visit the Special Olympics site www.somd.org/plunge click on "Donors" then click on "Sponsor a participant" then enter Donny Boyd's name. There are several ways in which you can make a donation.

Iconastas Project

A project is in the works to put woodwork over the blue panels on each side of the Iconastas. This project will enhance the beauty of the current Iconastas and bring more continuity to the icon screen. If you would like to make a donation towards the funds to be used in completing this project, please mark an envelope with Icon Screen Project and turn it into the treasurer or place it in with your weekly donation to the Church. Thank you and God Bless.

Confessions can be heard on Sunday after the Divine Liturgy or prior to the Liturgy by appointment.

Saint Nicholas Day Luncheon

The annual parish Saint Nicholas Day Luncheon was held last Sunday. I would like to thank the Sunday School Teachers and students for helping to organize the event. I would also like to thank everyone who prepared dishes for the luncheon. Also thank you to Sheila for leading the sing-a-long for the day. Plus many thanks to Saint Nicholas for his timely visit and gifts to the children.

Holy Night Supper

The traditional Holy Night Supper will be held on Saturday, January 6, at 6:00 p.m. prior to the evening service. The traditional customs of the meal will be observed. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the hall for those who would like to attend. All foods are to be Strict Fast. (no meat or dairy)

Trim The Christmas Tree

I would like to thank the Jr. ACRY and the adult helpers for trimming the Christmas tree on December 10, following the Saint Nicholas Day Luncheon. God Bless!

Prayer List

Please keep in your prayers all those who are in

need from our parish especially:

Les Miller: Improved Health

Steve Sheftic: Healing

Rudy Kormanik: Healing & Recovery

Jason Janowick: Improved Health

Lois Erhard: Improved Health

Mary Ann Muchesko: Healing & Recovery

Ivan Pop: Improved Health

Pa–i Yvonne Lysack: Healing

Anna Hrapchak: Healing & Recovery

Carol Miller: Healing

John Kloss: Healing & Recovery

Mary Kesselak: Improved Health

Alexandra Delare: Health & Healing

Daniel Kormanik: Healing & Recovery

C & D List

The new 2007 list for the C&D is now posted in the hall. Please take the time and sign up for one or two Sundays during the coming year. We would like to have each and every Sunday filled for the coming year. Thank you.

Altar Flowers

The new 2007 Altar Flower list is now posted in the hall. Please sign up if you would like to reserve the Altar Flowers of any particular Sunday. Please let Father know of the intention you would like for that particular Sunday. Thank you.

Christmas Flowers

Flowers will be needed to adorn the Church for the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord. If you would like to make a donation towards the flowers for Christmas, please see Faith Breno. Thank you & God Bless.

Thank You

I would like to thank Fr. Joseph for being here today, as well as next Sunday, to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in my absence. Many Years! & God Bless!

Out of Town

Father will be away until Saturday, December 30. Please contact, for an emergency, Fr. Nectarios at: 703.629.0447, or Fr. Joseph at 703.532.8017. A Fr. Joseph Woodill will be here today and again on Sunday, December 24.

Special Olympics

The Bay Plunge benefits Special Olympics. We have one Bay Plunger in our parish who will be take the plunge on January 27. Donny Boyd is raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics. If you would like to help while staying warm and dry you can visit the Special Olympics site www.somd.org/plunge click on "Donors" then click on "Sponsor a participant" then enter Donny Boyd's name. There are several ways in which you can make a donation.

Iraq Talk

Daniel Timko will give a presentation about life in Iraq on Sunday, January 14. Daniel has spent time in Iraq serving in the U.S. Military. The Talk will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until 9:50. The talk is being sponsored by the Sr. ACRY.

ACRY Calendars

There are still some ACRY Lot-O-Luck Calendars available. Please see Sheila Hrapchak or any Sr. ACRY member to receive one of these calendars. The proceeds go to the Diocesan Mission Fund.

Christian Unity Service

The annual Christian Unity Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church located at 11200 Old Georgetown Rd in Bethesda. The service will be held on Sunday, January 21, beginning at 3:00 p.m. All are invited to attend. (More information will follow.)

St. John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria

Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, was born on Cyprus in the seventh century into the family of the illustrious dignitary Epiphanius. At the wish of his parents he entered into marriage and had children. When the wife and the children of the saint died, he became a monk. He was zealous in fasting and prayer, and had great love for those around him.

His spiritual exploits won him honor among men, and even the emperor revered him. When the Patriarchal throne of Alexandria fell vacant, the emperor Heraclius and all the clergy besieged St. John to occupy the Patriarchal throne.

The saint worthily assumed his archpastoral service, concerning himself with the moral and dogmatic welfare of his flock. As patriarch he denounced every soul-destroying heresy, and drove out from Alexandria the Monophysite Phyllonos of Antioch.

He considered his chief task to be charitable and to give help all those in need. At the beginning of his patriarchal service he ordered his stewards to compile a list of all the poor and downtrodden in Alexandria, which turned out to be over seven thousand men. The saint ordered that all of these unfortunates be provided for each day out of the church's treasury.

Twice during the week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, he emerged from the doors of the patriarchal cathedral, and sitting on the church portico, he received everyone in need. He settled quarrels, helped the wronged, and distributed alms. Three times a week he visited the sick-houses, and rendered assistance to the suffering. It was during this period that the emperor Heraclius led a tremendous army against the Persian emperor Chosroes II. The Persians ravaged and burned Jerusalem, taking a multitude of captives. The holy Patriarch John gave a large portion of the church treasury for their ransom.

The saint never refused suppliants. One day, when the saint was visiting the sick, he met a beggar and commanded that he be given six silver coins. The beggar changed his clothes, ran on ahead of the Patriarch, and again asked for alms. St. John gave him six more silver coins. When, however, the beggar sought charity a third time, and the servants began to chase the fellow away, the Patriarch ordered that he be given twelve pieces of silver, saying, "Perhaps he is Christ putting me to the test." Twice the saint gave money to a merchant that had suffered shipwreck, and a third time gave him a ship belonging to the Patriarchate and filled with grain, with which the merchant had a successful journey and repaid his obligations.

St. John the Merciful was known for his gentle attitude towards people. Once, the saint was compelled to excommunicate two clergymen for a certain time because of some offense. One of them repented, but the other fellow became angry with the Patriarch and fell into greater sins. The saint wanted to summon him and calm him with kind words, but it slipped his mind. When he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy, the saint was suddenly reminded by the words of the Gospel: if you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift before the altar ... first, be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Mt 5:23-24). The saint came out of the altar, called the offending clergyman to him, and falling down on his knees before him in front of all the people he asked forgiveness. The cleric, filled with remorse, repented of his sin, corrected himself, and afterwards was found worthy to be ordained to the priesthood.

There was a time when a certain citizen insulted George, the Patriarch's nephew. George asked the saint to avenge the wrong. The saint promised to deal with the offender so that all of Alexandria would marvel at what he had done. This calmed George, and St. John began to instruct him, speaking of the necessity for meekness and humility. Then he summoned the man who insulted George. When St. John learned that the man lived in a house owned by the church, he declared that he would excuse him from paying rent for an entire year. Alexandria indeed was amazed by such a "revenge," and George learned from his uncle how to forgive offenses and to bear insults for God's sake.

St. John, a strict ascetic and man of prayer, was always mindful of his soul, and of death. He ordered a coffin for himself, but told the craftsmen not to finish it. Instead, he would have them come each feastday and ask if it was time to finish the work.

St. John was persuaded to accompany the governor Nicetas on a visit to the emperor in Constantinople. While on his way to visit the earthly king, he dreamed of a resplendent man who said to him, "The King of Kings summons you." He sailed to his native island of Cyprus, and died at Amanthos, the saint peacefully fell asleep in the Lord (616-620).

Confessions can be heard on Sunday after the Divine Liturgy or prior to the Liturgy by appointment.

Saint Nicholas Day Luncheon

The annual parish Saint Nicholas Day Luncheon is today, following the Divine Liturgy.A "pot-luck" meal will be served in the hall.Perhaps there will be a special visit from Saint Nicholas.All are invited and welcome to celebrate this festal commemoration

Trim The Christmas Tree

The Jr. ACRY will be trimming the Christmas tree today, following the Saint Nicholas Day Celebration.All are welcome to lend a hand.

PrayerList

Please keep in your prayers all those who are in

need from our parish especially:

Les Miller:Improved Health

Steve Sheftic: Healing

Rudy Kormanik: Healing & Recovery

Jason Janowick:Improved Health

Lois Erhard: Improved Health

Mary Ann Muchesko: Healing & Recovery

Ivan Pop: Improved Health

Pañi Yvonne Lysack: Healing

Anna Hrapchak: Healing & Recovery

Carol Miller: Healing

John Kloss: Healing & Recovery

Mary Kesselak:Improved Health

Alexandra Delare:Health & Healing

Daniel Kormanik:Healing & Recovery

Eternal Memory

The Very Reverend Protopresbyter Peter Buletza fell asleep in the Lord on December 8.Father Buletza, who was 88, lived in retirement in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.Father will lie-in-state in St. John's Church in Perth Amboy on Monday, December 11, where the Priest's Burial Service will be celebrated at 7 PM.Funeral Liturgy is in St. John's Church on Tuesday, December 12 at 10 AM.

C & D List

The new 2007 list for the C&D is now posted in the hall.Please take the time and sign up for one or two Sundays during the coming year.We would like to have each and every Sunday filled for the coming year.Thank you.

Altar Flowers

The new 2007 Altar Flower list is now posted in the hall.Please sign up if you would like to reserve the Altar Flowers of any particular Sunday.Please let Father know of the intention you would like for that particular Sunday.Thank you.

New Calendars

The 2007 Church calendars are available in the hall.

Christmas Flowers

Flowers will be needed to adorn the Church for the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord.If you would like to make a donation towards the flowers for Christmas, please see Faith Breno.Thank you & God Bless.

Special Olympics

The Bay Plunge benefits Special Olympics.We have one Bay Plunger in our parish who will be take the plunge on January 27.Donny Boyd is raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics.If you would like to help while staying warm and dry you can visit the Special Olympics site www.somd.org/plungeclick on "Donors" then click on "Sponsor a participant" then enter Donny Boyd's name.There are several ways in which you can make a donation.

Turning Points

Turning Points is an organization that aids abused families.During the festive season of our Lord's Nativity we need to extend our kindness to the little one who are suffering for no fault of their own. Tim Dzubak will be taking donations to bring some joy to these little ones and their families.The gifts purchased with your donations will be taken to the "Safe House" where these families are staying.

Ripidia

In the sanctuary are ceremonial fans called Ripidia On them are little icons of the six-winged Seraphim. They recall both the cherubic images placed around the original Ark of the Covenant (see Exodus 25) and the constant presence of the Seraphim at the throne of God in Heaven. the ripidia are made in the shape of cherubs, in order to suggest an analogy between angels andthe servers, since angels also are but "serving spirits." The set was given to us by the Nativity of the Lord.

Iraq Talk

Daniel Timko will give a presentation about life in Iraq on Sunday, January 14.Daniel has spent time in Iraq serving in the U.S. Military.The Talk will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until 9:50.The talk is being sponsored by the Sr. ACRY.

Out of Town

Father will be away beginning this Friday, until Saturday, Dec.30.Father will be at the Deacons Retreat then out in Indiana. Please contact, for an emergency, Fr. Nectarios at: 703.629.0447, or Fr. Joseph at 703.532.8017.A priest will be here on Sundays, Dec. 17 & 24.

Monday:Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple - 9:00 a.m.

Confessions can be heard on Sunday after the Divine Liturgy or prior to the Liturgy by appointment.

HOLIDAY BAKE SALE WRAPS UP

After baking on four Saturdays throughout the fall, the last of the rolls and breads for the Holiday Bake were wrapped on November 11th. With the direction of co-chairs, Tish Brush and Caryl Strauss, the team of volunteers made a grand total of 657 delicious nut, poppy and apricot rolls and 60 breads. Customers (outside of our church family) ordered 500 rolls and 43 breads. Our thanks to everyone who helped on Saturday bake days, donated lunches for the crews, purchased supplies, helped weigh and package the kolbassi, or distributed the orders to customers and parishioners. Their names have been listed in the Bulletin after each bake day. It took a tremendous effort and cooperation among parishioners to achieve this successful fund-raiser for the church's operating budget.

Fall Holiday Bake

Individuals are needed today to assist with the pick-up of orders.Please see Rose Plowchin or Tish Brush.Thank you

PrayerList

Please keep in your prayers all those who are in

need from our parish especially:

Les Miller:Improved Health

Steve Sheftic: Healing

Rudy Kormanik: Healing & Recovery

Jason Janowick:Improved Health

Lois Erhard: Improved Health

Mary Ann Muchesko: Healing & Recovery

Ivan Pop: Improved Health

Pañi Yvonne Lysack: Healing

Anna Hrapchak: Healing & Recovery

Carol Miller: Healing

Michael Buchko: Healing

John Kloss: Healing & Recovery

Mary Kesselak:Improved Health

Alexandra Delare:Health & Healing

Daniel Kormanik:Healing & Recovery

Eternal Memory

Matthew Krizman, Pañi Elizabeth's Father, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, November 25.He was buried from The Descent of the Holy Spirit Church in Schererville, Indiana.Please keep him and his family in your prayer.Eternal be his memory.

JR. ACRY Thanksgiving Bake Sale

The Jr. ACRY would like to thank everyone who made items for the bake sale.Also much thanks to everyone who purchased items for the sale.The proceeds go to benefit the Jr. ACRY.

Historic Meeting

Pope Benedict XVI traveled to Constantinople for a meeting with His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew from November 28 to December 1. Please keep this historic meeting in your prayers that it has proven to be beneficial to the unity desired by the two Churches.Also pray for all those traveling from this historic event.

Reguilded Candles Holders

The candle holders on the Altar and table of preparation have been reguiled.These refurbished items are now in place on the Altar and side table.I would like to thank Tom & Ann Thear for donating to this project so it could be accomplished.God Bless and Many Year!

Congratulations

John and Sangeeta Antonishek had a baby boy on Thursday, November 30.Zachary Keith was born at Holy Cross Hospital at 8 lbs 3.7 oz and 20.5 inches.Both Mother and baby are doing well.They are both at home.Many Years!

Saint Nicholas Day Luncheon

The annual parish Saint Nicholas Day Luncheon will be held Sunday, December 10, following the Divine Liturgy.A "pot-luck" meal will be served in the hall.Perhaps there will be a special visit from Saint Nicholas.The children will also sing some songs of the season in a parish sing-a-long. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the hall for those who wish to attend.All are invited and welcome to celebrate this festal commemoration

Trim The Christmas Tree

The Jr. ACRY will be trimming the Christmas tree either on December 10, following the Saint Nicholas Day Celebration.The date will be determined today at a Jr. ACRY meeting following the service.

Christmas Flowers

Flowers will be needed to adorn the Church for the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord.If you would like to make a donation towards the flowers for Christmas, please see Faith Breno.Thank you & God Bless.

New Calendars

The 2007 Church calendars are available in the hall. I would like to thank Total Electric and the Homick family for again sponsoring the calendars.

ACRY Cookie Sale

The Sr. ACRY would like to thank everyone who help make the annual Cookie Sale a success.Thank you and God Bless.